How much does the motor weigh?

At just 1.95kg, the SL 1.1 Motor is essentially half the weight of other crank-based motors. To help achieve this light overall weight, the motor casing is made of magnesium. 

How much power does the new motor output?

Our SL1.1 motor amplifies rider power up to 240 watts and 35Nm of both peak and sustained power. We tuned our motor to deliver constant, strong support across a wide cadence range for a very natural feel while pedalling. 

How many riding modes are there and how much assistance do they offer?

There are five assisted riding modes: OFF, ECO, SPORT, and TURBO, as well as SMART CONTROL. ECO matches your effort up to 30% of the motor’s power, SPORT matches your effort up to 60% of the motor’s power, and TURBO matches your effort to 100% of the motor’s power—or 240watts. All three assist modes can be tuned almost infinitely to personalize power levels via our Mission Control App. The unassisted riding mode (OFF) is just like riding a classic bike—the motor was specifically designed in a way that it does not add any drag when the bike is in OFF mode. 

Do all the models have the same range? What is it?

Yes. All models use the same Specialized SL1.1 motor and 320Wh internal battery. Range varies with use, but you can expect up to 130 kilometres of range using ECO mode. With a Range Extender, another 65 kilometres of range can be added. 

Is a range extender included with every Turbo Vado SL?

No, the Range Extender will be available aftermarket. 

How does the range extender attach to the Turbo Vado SL?

While the Range Extender fits in a normal water bottle cage, we recommend using the Specialized Z-Cage along with the included band for increased security—especially on rougher terrain. 

What impacts the range and how can I get the most distance possible?

There are many variables that influence range. The rider’s chosen cadence, weight, fitness, and position on the bike, as well as the bike build, bike weight, tyre choice, and tyre pressure all impact range. Several environmental influences, such as road conditions, elevation, and weather can impact range as well. The less motor support you require, the longer the battery will last. Riding in ECO mode will generally provide the longest battery life. Our Turbo Range Calculator helps riders predict the range they can expect given certain key metrics. 

What makes the Turbo Vado SL so much lighter than other bottom-bracket-based E-Bikes? 

The Turbo Vado saves weight due to its Smartweld aluminium frame combined with the lightweight SL1.1 motor, a magnesium housing, and the battery integrated into the frame. 

How much tyre clearance does the Turbo Vado SL have?

The Turbo Vado SL has clearance for 42mm tyres with 700C rims. With fenders, there’s still clearance for 38mm tyres. 

Can I use 650B wheels with the Turbo Vado SL?

Yes. The Turbo Vado SL is compatible with 650b wheels and up to a 47mm tyre. Keep in mind the Turbo Vado SL uses 12x110mm front hub spacing and 12x148mm rear spacing. 

Can the Turbo Vado SL’s firmware be updated?

The Turbo Vado SL firmware can easily be updated at your local Turbo dealer through Turbo Studio, our retailer service platform. Once connected, the bike automatically checks for the latest software versions available and installs them, if needed. 

How much motor tuning ability does the Mission Control App have?

With the Mission Control App, you can tune the level of assist almost infinitely (both peak power and sustained assistance) for each of the three ride assist levels: ECO, SPORT, and TURBO. Our Mission Control App allows you to fully customize your Turbo Vado SL motor to your personal needs and riding preferences. Of course, we only allow the rider to tune the motor and its behaviour within the given speed limits in their respective country. We do not allow riders to tune the motor beyond the legally allowed speed setting. 

How does Smart Control work?

Using the Smart Control feature of our Mission Control App enables you to enter how far, or how long, you want to ride, as well as how much battery you would like to have left at the end of your ride. Smart Control then takes care of all battery management to reach those targets. It does this with a smart algorithm that checks the bike’s status every 10 seconds. Keep in mind, with Smart Control initiated on the app, assistance modes cannot be altered via the TCU on the bike’s top tube. Riding with no assistance means you’re not getting any motor support, but that the system is still on and recording/sharing data to display on apps or ANT+ enabled devices. 

How does the Turbo Control Unit on the bike’s top tube work?

The Turbo Control Unit has two buttons and a battery level display. The bottom button is used to turn the bike on/off, while the top button is used to select one of the three assistance levels—or to choose to ride with no assistance. Quickly push the button to cycle through different modes—1/3 blue circle is ECO, 2/3 blue circle is SPORT, and the full blue circle is TURBO. Press and hold the button until all blue lights turn off to ride with no assistance. Our Handlebar Remote offers these same controls in an even more ergonomic way, at the tip of your finger. 

How many sizes are available for the Turbo Vado SL?

The Turbo Vado SL comes in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large. 

How is the Turbo Vado SL charged? 

Included with every Turbo Vado SL is a Specialized 48V charger that plugs into a port on the bike’s seat tube, just above the bottom bracket. The Range Extender is charged with the same charger. After plugging in your charger, it will take five seconds for the TCU to light-up and indicate charging. When all blue bars are illuminated, the bike is fully charged. A green LED on the charger indicates “standby,” while a steady red light indicates “charging.” If you are within Bluetooth range of your bike, you can monitor live charge status from our Mission Control App, and you can know when you are ready to go again. 

How long does it take to charge the Turbo Vado SL?

You can expect your Turbo Vado SL’s internal battery to charge from 3% to 100% in approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes. A Range Extender will charge from 3% to 100% in approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. Both the internal and Range Extender batteries will charge from 3% to 100% in approximately 3 hours 20 minutes with a “Y” cable. 

Can the internal battery be removed for charging?

The Turbo Vado SL’s internal battery is fully integrated into the frame. It is intended to be charged in the frame. In order to get the battery out of the frame, you need to remove the motor first. It’s this kind of integration that allows the Turbo Vado SL to be so light. 

If you want to fly with your Turbo Vado SL, the internal battery needs to be removed. You can carry a Range Extender in your carry-on, and when you arrive at your location you can ride the Turbo Vado SL with just the Range Extender.

What happens if the battery falls below 15%?

When the battery falls below 15% charge, the Turbo Vado SL will automatically reduce motor power to 75%. At 10% battery charge, the system will reduce the motor current to 50% power. At 5% charge, the system reduces to 25% power. The power reduction is set in place to preserve battery health and long-term use. When riding in the reduced stages, ride modes cannot be changed until the battery has been recharged. 

When a range extender is used, which battery is used first? The range extender or the internal? 

When using a Range Extender, the default setting is for the Range Extender and internal battery to be drained simultaneously. By using Mission Control, however, the protocol can be changed to drain the Range Extender first. 

If you didn’t find the answer you’re looking for, firstly, we apologise and recommend contacting your local 

Specialized Retailer or giving one of our friendly Specialized Turbo e-Bike experts a call at head office 1300-743-370. Ride safe and thank you for considering a Specialized Turbo e-Bike!